Ischemic heart disease decisions — 2021

The Veteran's claims for service connection for hypertension and heart disability have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology has not been established.,For his right hand disability, bilateral shoulder disability, bilateral hip disability, right leg disability, left lower extremity radiculopathy, major depressive disorder, cervical spine DDD, degenerative joint disease (DJD) and scoliosis of the lumbar spine, and TDIU claims, these have been denied as there is no evidence of a chronic condition in service or within the applicable presumptive period, and continuity of symptomatology has not been established.,For his LLE radiculopathy claim, the Veteran's disability was first ascertainable on February 12, 2015.

The Board has remanded the cases due to outstanding medical records and further development of the claims for coronary artery disease, scars from surgery, and a bilateral foot disability.

The Veteran's appeal for increased ratings for coronary artery bypass graft residuals and bilateral hearing loss is dismissed. The Veteran's TDIU claim as of February 19, 2014, but not earlier, is granted. The Veteran's special monthly compensation based on the need for regular aid and attendance, being permanently housebound, or at the housebound rate prior to February 8, 2017, and from June 1, 2017, to December 22, 2019, is remanded.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including diabetes mellitus and multiple neuropathies, render him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for headaches and vision loss of the right eye, as they are related to his service-connected coronary artery disease and stroke. A new VA examination is needed to determine if these conditions are proximately due or aggravated by his service-connected disabilities.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes, chronic renal failure, coronary artery disease, and related peripheral neuropathies have been granted. The Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss has been denied. Claims for left ear hearing loss and bilateral tinnitus are remanded.

The Board has remanded the claims for service connection for coronary artery disease and diabetes due to a failure of VA to assist in verifying the Veteran's exposure to herbicides during his service.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for an increased rating for coronary artery disease and for TDIU due to service-connected disabilities. The Veteran needs to provide updated VA treatment records, including from Willis-Knighton Hospital, and undergo a VA examination.

The Board has remanded the case due to a failure to conduct METs testing as required by regulation, and for additional development including a new examination.

The Veteran's cause of death was not service-connected, and the Appellant is not entitled to DIC benefits under 38 U.S.C. § 1318.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, CAD, and thoracolumbar spine strain, render him unable to secure or follow a substantially gainful occupation.

The Board has decided to remand the Veteran's claim for a rating in excess of 60 percent for hypertension with atherosclerotic coronary artery disease, including consideration of separate compensable ratings. Further VA cardiovascular evaluation is needed and all relevant VA and private treatment records should be obtained.

The Veteran's service connection claim for coronary artery disease is granted. The claims for acquired psychiatric disorder, kidney cancer, and skin cancer are remanded.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for a heart disorder, finding that there is no evidence of a nexus between his current heart condition and his military service or any service-connected disability.

The Board denied service connection for peripheral neuropathy and ischemic heart disease, finding that the Veteran did not have exposure to herbicide agents during his service in Thailand or at Fort Drum. The Board also found no evidence of a direct link between these conditions and service.

The Veteran's claim for service connection for a psychiatric disorder is reopened. The issues of neck and back pain, STD, and heart disability are remanded for further development.

The Veteran's PTSD is granted at a 70 percent rating, effective from the date of the decision.

The Veteran's appeal is remanded for additional development regarding service connection for ischemic heart disease and the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 11, 2011. The inextricably intertwined issue of an increased rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 11, 2011 is also remanded.,The Veteran's appeal includes a request for service connection for ischemic heart disease (claimed as mildly prominent aorta and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)). The Board finds that additional development is needed regarding the relationship between the Veteran's exposure to herbicide agents in service and his AAA. Additionally, the issue of entitlement to a total disability rating based on individual unemployability due to service-connected disabilities prior to May 11, 2011 requires further consideration as it may impact the increased rating claim for PTSD.,The Veteran's appeal also includes an increased rating higher than 50 percent for PTSD prior to May 11, 2011. The Board finds that additional development is needed regarding the functional impact of PTSD on the Veteran's ability to perform occupational activities prior to May 11, 2011.

The Board denied service connection for diabetes mellitus type 2 and ischemic heart disease, finding no evidence of in-service incurrence or a nexus to service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including PTSD, degenerative arthritis of the spine with intervertebral disc syndrome, right lower extremity sciatic nerve radiculopathy associated with his lumbar spine disability, tinnitus, and coronary artery disease, status-post myocardial infarction, have rendered him unable to secure or follow substantially gainful employment from April 8, 2014 to May 29, 2018. The Board has granted TDIU for this period.